Like father, like son: Carragher's boy joins Liverpool academy

With Jamie Carragher entering the twilight years of his Anfield career, Liverpool fans can look forward to a bright new future with the defender's presence still firmly felt at the club.

The Reds have recruited the former England international's promising son to their academy ranks, with the youngster enjoying his first training session last Thursday.

Carragher, who rose through the ranks to the senior side in 1996, joined manager Kenny Dalglish and fellow academy graduate Jay Spearing in welcoming the latest batch of Anfield hopefuls at the club's Melwood training ground last week.

New generation: Jamie Carragher's young son has joined the club's academy ranks

Liverpool academy chief Frank McParland revealed: 'On Thursday night we signed up our latest Under 8 players and Kenny Dalglish
and Jay Spearing came along to welcome them.

'Jamie Carragher was also in attendance as we have just recruited his son to play here.

But McParland insists club legend Carragher does not want his talented
lad to receive any special treatment and that the 33-year-old stood
proudly alongside the other parents during the Under 8s inaugural session.

'He is here on merit and Jamie was keen to avoid any special
treatment for himself at the signing,' said McParland.

Flashback: Carragher at the heart of Liverpool's defence against Celta Vigo during his early days at Anfield in 1998

'He was here with his wife and they
both remained in the background alongside all of the other proud
parents.'

And McParland believes the Liverpool faithful will be enthused over the prospect of another Carragher, who has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and two League Cups during an illustrious career on Merseyside, at the club.

He added: 'I'm sure supporters would love the idea of another Carra coming through the ranks'